(MANTECA,CA) –A newly proposed Super Walmart planned to be built in Manteca is causing mixed reactions among residents of the community.
The City Council meeting held on Apr. 21 displayed a strong sense of opposition to the new infrastructure as the primary focal point.
Photo Credit: City of Manteca/ Instagram
Many residents noted the negative impacts and disadvantages the new superstore will bring to the community. The parcel of land set aside for the 181,000-square-foot supercenter is expected to be located on Atherton and South Main Street.
Alongside the new Walmart, the site will also have 11 new additional pads that will contain new restaurants, shops, and other venues the community may benefit from. Regardless of this, a petition, which currently holds 438 signatures, was created to showcase the significant backlash.
Issues related to traffic congestion are one of the primary reasons some are displeased with the new Walmart.
Arthur, a Manteca City resident, told OpGov.News, ”It's being built in the wrong place. The congestion there will be awful. One mile farther east and on the south side of the freeway on Union St. would have been better because there is nothing north of the 120.”
Like Arthur, other residents suggested to Mayor Gary Singh their ideas for alternative locations that would benefit the retail store and the community at large to avoid this congestion issue.
While clear reasons like these were stated in opposition, others explained different reasons for pushing back.
Photo Credit: City of Manteca
“I wouldn’t characterize this proposal as a negative addition; rather, I believe much of the confusion comes from framing it as though the community is opposed to progress. That is not the issue.”
OpGov.News spoke to Luis, a resident from the City of Manteca, who expressed his sentiment regarding the misunderstanding that can be had in the light of public opposition.
He further elaborated on this point, explaining that the concerns raised by some residents are real and valid. He mentioned factors involving long-term planning goals and where the City’s priorities lie are what some residents are worried about.
Luis continued, “Residents deserve more than the same formula repeated. We should be pursuing businesses that broaden our options and improve quality of life—markets such as Whole Foods, Nugget Market, or a community co-op similar to those in Sacramento, along with independent coffee shops and more thoughtful retail experiences.”
New developments, such as the Dutch Bros Coffee shop for example, expected to be built in the Woodbridge East area, are redundant additions as they do not really give Manteca the opportunity to create a “distinctive, thriving community,” he noted.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Despite these concerns, there were others who felt differently about the situation, leaning towards a more optimistic outlook for the new Walmart.
Rick, another Manteca resident, was one of those people.
“I want the new Walmart. I’ve been wanting more stores and shopping on this side of 120 since I moved here 25 years ago”, Rick told OpGov.news.
He further explained that complaints about the new Walmart stem from some residents simply not getting the store they want, noting that alternatives like Winco Foods or Trader Joe's wouldn’t have faced opposition the same way Walmart is.
He also added, “... If you don’t live on this side, there is no reason to dictate what’s built here. Worry about your area. I hope they put [in] some nice sit-down restaurants also. Thanks, Mayor, you're doing a great job.”
The project must pass through multiple phases before development can begin.
OpGov.News reached out to Mayor Gary Singh multiple times regarding the matter, but received no response.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at yikaileau.w@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below with your thoughts.
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